Participation in Occupational Programs in Secondary Career and Technical Education: A Structural Equation Model Approach

• In Event: Career and Technical Education SIG Paper Session: Trends and Findings Related to Secondary-Level Career and Technical Education Coursework

Abstract

As career and technical education (CTE) remains important, one issue that is often discussed is participation in CTE programs, which has been declined over the years. Using the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009, we explored factors that can be associated with CTE participation using two models—for students enrolled in 2.0 CTE credits and those enrolled in more than 2.0 CTE credits—in twelve CTE or occupational areas. A Structural Equation Model was specified with factors that have been previously used in CTE research. Our models have acceptable fit indices, and loadings show the association of 9th Grade GPA and Expectations of higher education attainment with participation in both cases. Other factor loadings are consistent in both models.

Authors

• Oscar A. Aliaga, University of South Florida
  Presenting Author

• Sarah Thomas, University of South Florida
  Presenting Author